Claudia Giannachi, University College Cork (UCC), and Aoife Cotter, University of Limerick (UL), win joint placement award for work done at MSD Brinny, Cork
Claudia and Aoife completed a five-month industrial placement at MSD Brinny, Cork, within the Process Sciences team, supervised by Stephen Hayes and Sean O’Keeffe. The site produces vaccines for pneumococcal disease, which is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable death in children worldwide. The placement was a transformative experience that profoundly shaped their professional and personal development.
Their main project focused on optimizing the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) manufacturing process, specifically assessing the compatibility of next-generation serotypes with the established legacy process used for the current vaccine generation. Primary responsibility involved replicating key stages of the large-scale vaccine production process at a laboratory scale, specifically focusing on activation and conjugation reactions, to improve performance and consistency. They also conducted studies on small-scale ultrafiltration, exploring how parameters such as flow rate and membrane type influenced product recovery and filtration efficiency. Engaging in analytical test methods and supporting continuous improvement projects, they saw firsthand how scientific rigor and operational excellence ensure patient safety
The placement allowed them to gain practical knowledge of pharmaceutical manufacturing environments through hands-on experience with bioprocessing equipment, as well as building proficiency in standard documentation practices, deviation recording, and following industrial lab safety protocols.
Participating in team meetings and cross-functional discussions with colleagues from manufacturing, quality assurance, analytical sciences, and global sites afforded a comprehensive view of how multiple departments work together to develop and optimize complex biologics manufacturing processes. Cross-team meetings honed their communication skills, enabling them to articulate ideas clearly to varied audiences. These interactions underscored the importance of teamwork and diverse knowledge exchange in driving innovation and ensuring product quality.
The mentorship and constructive feedback from experienced professionals accelerated their growth via encouraging them to questions, take initiative, and adopt a mindset of continuous learning. They gained a deep appreciation for the collaborative effort and technical expertise required to develop life-saving vaccines.
Occasionally during a PhD, it can be difficult to remain focused on the real-world application of your research. However, the passion and dedication of our colleagues inspired them, reinforcing their ambition to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical sector.
it was very clear at MSD, that everyone working on site was driven by their obligation to provide safe and effective vaccines and were very proud of the role they played in this. Moreover, the culture on site at MSD, left us with a long-lasting impression.
Claudia Giannachi, is supervised by Professor Abina Crean, and Dr Sonja Vucen (UCC). Aoife Cotter, is supervised by Associate Professor Luis Padrela (UL).
This placement served as a vital bridge between academia and industry, offering exposure to real-world applications of science and professional accountability. It equipped us with a robust skill set, a professional network, a clearer vision for the future, and a friend for life in each other!
